High schoolers take anti-smoking campaign to Elementary school

By Diane Davies-Dixon


For their second year, the Kick Butts Generation went out to spread the message “Chews not to smoke” at Cornwells Elementary School in Bensalem.

The slogan is meant to encourage kids to chew a piece of candy instead of picking up a cigarette, according to group leader Caren Schapiro.

To promote that thought, candy was being chewed everywhere at the school on Thursday as Kick Butts Generation students from Bensalem High School visited fifth- and sixth-grade students.

Schapiro, a chemistry teacher at the high school, said the program is designed “to get to the kids before they start smoking.”




Diane Davies-Dixon/Photo
Frank Tepper, 19, a recent Bensalem High School graduate, dressed up in bloody scrubs as Dr. Frank.

 She teaches high school students about the effects smoking has on the human body. Those involved in the KBG group stay after school to learn about smoking and create programs for elementary and middle school students during KBG visits.

Various stations are set up in each school with age-appropriate games and lessons on the hazards of smoking cigarettes, said Schapiro.

One such video game demonstrates how smoking over time changes a smoker’s facial appearance. “I think it looks funny,” said Olivia Baranosky, 11, of Bensalem. “It looks like a zombie with gray skin and it’s gooey.”

To read more go to: http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/bensalem/high-schoolers-take-anti-smoking-campaign-to-bensalem-elementary-school/article_4c7c30d3-7e34-5a75-a39c-cfa766006afa.html